Troop Positions of Responsibility

Overview

The Troop is youth-led and follows the Patrol Method, a core element of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts are organized into small patrols, each guided by elected leaders. This structure promotes:

Responsibility
Teamwork
Decision-making

Leadership roles typically last six months. Scouts are encouraged to:

Run for elected positions
Express interest in appointed roles

This approach gives every Scout the chance to lead, grow, and help the Troop succeed. Additional details can be found at Troop Leader Resources - Troop Positions.

Elections

Positions

Elections

Twice a year, the Troop holds elections to choose its Scout leaders:

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL): Elected by the entire Troop. The SPL is the top youth leader and is responsible for leading Troop meetings, activities, and the Patrol Leaders’ Council.
Patrol Leaders (PLs): Each patrol elects its own Patrol Leader, who leads the patrol in activities, communication, and planning.
Assistant Patrol Leaders (APLs): Appointed by their Patrol Leader to help manage patrol responsibilities.
Troop-Level Positions: After being elected, the SPL appoints Scouts to other leadership roles such as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), Scribe, Quartermaster, Troop Guide, and Den Chief, etc with the approval of the Scoutmaster.

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Positions

Senior Patrol Leader

Elected by the full Troop

Rank Requirement: Life

The top youth leader and is responsible for leading all troop meetings and events. The SPL coordinates with adult leaders and the Patrol Leader Council to ensure the troop runs smoothly and successfully.

Asst Senior Patrol Leader

Appointed by the SPL

Rank Requirement: Star

Supports the SPL in leading the troop. The ASPL assists with planning, helps manage troop activities, and serves as acting SPL when the SPL is unavailable.

Patrol Leader

Elected by the Patrol

Rank Requirement: None

Responsible for leading patrol meetings and activities, keeping patrol members informed, and representing the patrol at troop meetings and events. The PL helps ensure their patrol functions as a team and contributes to the overall success of the troop.

Troop Guide

Appointed by the SPL

Rank Requirement: First Class

Serves as a mentor to new Scouts, helping them adjust to troop life, learn Scouting skills, and progress toward earning their First-Class rank.

Quartermaster

Appointed by the SPL

Rank Requirement: First Class

Responsible for organizing, maintaining, and tracking all troop equipment. They ensure gear is in good condition, manage inventory, and issue equipment to patrols and Scouts for meetings, outings, and campouts.

Scribe

Appointed by the SPL

Rank Requirement: First Class

Responsible for keeping accurate records of troop activities, including attendance, dues, and advancement progress. The Scribe helps maintain communication and ensures troop records are up to date.

Den Chief

Appointed by the SPL

Rank Requirement: None

Assists a Cub Scout den leader, serving as a role model and helping with den meetings and activities, while also encouraging Cub Scouts to join a troop.

Chaplain Aid

Appointed by the SPL

Rank Requirement: None

Promotes the spiritual growth of the troop by assisting the troop chaplain, leading reflections or grace at events, and encouraging participation in religious emblems programs.

Troop Historian

Appointed by the SPL

Rank Requirement: None

Documents troop activities by maintaining a historical record, such as a scrapbook, photo archive, or digital log. They help preserve the troop’s legacy and share its story with current and future Scouts.

Librarian

Appointed by the SPL

Rank Requirement: None

Responsible for organizing, maintaining, and tracking the troop’s library of merit badge books, handbooks, and other resources. They help ensure materials are available and in good condition for Scouts to use.

OA Representative

Appointed by the SPL

Rank Requirement: First Class

Serves as the liaison between the troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge. They promote OA participation, share lodge news and events, and highlight the Order’s role in cheerful service.

(Must be a current member of the OA)

Outdoor Ethics Guide

Appointed by the SPL

Rank Requirement: First Class

Helps the troop plan and carry out an outdoor program that reflects the principles of Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly!, and the Outdoor Code. They educate Scouts on how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and ensure ethical practices are followed during troop activities.

Webmaster

Appointed by the SPL

Rank Requirement: None

Maintains the Troop’s website, ensuring all information is accurate, current, and aligned with troop activities. They also help protect the privacy of youth and adult members by following appropriate content and security guidelines.

(New to Troop 65)

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